KD goes down, but OKC rolls the Pacers 113-89

After losing three straight for the first time this season, Oklahoma City bounced back in about the most perfect way possible, blowing past the Pacers 113-89.

Really, there was nothing wrong with the night as the defense dominated, the offense clicked and the team played with good level of intensity for four quarters. Except for the fact that Kevin Durant rolled his left ankle hard and eventually had to be helped off the floor. That part kind of sucked, a lot. I’d imagine Durant will miss a game or two. But try and forget that for now, because this win over Indiana is exactly what Thunder fans were looking for coming in.

(OK, I’ll admit, I haven’t forgotten about KD’s ankle. I’ve been thinking about it constantly. But let’s move on.)

It started early as OKC jumped out to a 10-0 lead and held the Pacers scoreless for the first four-plus minutes. James Harden was terrific in the first half, dropping 17 of his 20 total points in just 11 first half minutes. There’s no doubt that Harden is really coming along lately. He understands the need for him to assert himself with Jeff Green gone and he’s taking advantage. Now with the prospect of Durant potentially missing a few games, Harden will have to continue playing aggressively. Harden’s evolution has been sort of quiet, but go back and look. He’s had a nice February and really, has been a pretty terrific sixth man for OKC.

The Pacers helped the Thunder quite a bit as they turned it over 17 times, with 12 in the first half. But a lot of the turnovers were complete giveaways which led to Thunder transition opportunities. OKC shot the ball really well and moved it splendidly, as the Thunder finished with 26 assists. All the talk about the offense struggling post-trade was premature anyway, but this game showed that the Thunder will be fine scoring the ball. Especially when Harden and Daequan Cook (12 points on 4-7 from 3) give them so much off the bench.

One other major note: I love the way Scott Brooks is opening up his bench for once. For the first time since he assumed the head coaching duties two years ago, he’s breaking out of his standard nine-man rotation stuff. In the first half of this game, 11 Thunderers had appeared. Brooks finally isn’t shy about using his bench, even if it’s just a spot sub for a couple minutes. Maybe it’s because he’s got an all new confidence in that group because of the depth. But he’s doing a great job of finding 15 minutes for Daequan Cook, while still giving good time to Thabo and Harden. Once OKC gets Kendrick Perkins, there’s going to be some serious depth on the Thunder bench, which is a great luxury for Brooks, especially since he’s displaying he’s figuring out how to use it.

NOTES:

How did Nazr Mohammed do? He made his first appearance for OKC, starting the game and playing 21 minutes. And his impact defensively on Roy Hibbert was obvious. Mohammed used his length really well, but also defends extremely well using his chest. He kept Hibbert off the block and uncomfortable. He definitely made an impact as he finished with eight points, seven rebounds.

One other positive of Mohammed: Serge Ibaka got to be himself. Ibaka had seven points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, but probably altered at least five other shots. Having a true defensive-minded center next to him, not only did Ibaka get to play in position, but he was able to leave his man, rotate and swipe at shots at will. He didn’t have to worry about defending the block as much and really did what he’s best at: roam. He kind of player rover, patrolling the paint looking for shots to block. So imagine how much better it’ll be with Perkins, who’s a better version of Mohammed.

I know a lot of people expressed concern that the Thunder lost some athleticism when they traded Jeff Green. But really, having Ibaka in the starting five plus Perkins/Mohammed instead of Nenad Krstic, doesn’t that make OKC more athletic?

Thabo Sefolosha checked in with another strong defensive game, guarding Danny Granger for most of the game and holding the Pacer star to just nine points on 3-11 shooting.

Nate Robinson checked in to a nice ovation with a couple minutes before halftime and promptly airballed his first shot attempt. He did score on a nice baseline cut right before the half and scored a couple buckets in garbage time, finishing with six points.

Tyler Hansbrough plays like a maniac. And not in a good Blake Griffin way. Like in a, I-think-he’s-going-to-injure-someone-seriously way.

With the revamped starting five, doesn’t OKC just seem more imposing now? That’s some serious size in the rotation.

Not only did Harden score well, but he defend Granger very well in stretches and overall, played a great, complete game.

I’m still thinking about Durant’s ankle.

Is it just me or does anyone else really like the added swag of the sleeve on Harden’s right arm? That plus the beard, plus the mohawk… Harden is nicely accessorized.

I wonder if that scratch across Nick Collison’s left arm is ever going to heal.

Russell Westbrook quietly played an excellent game. He had five turnovers, but four came in the first half and they weren’t costly giveaways. They were all of the attacking variety. But Russ finished with 21 points on 7-11 shooting, plus nine assists.

Eric Maynor with seven points and six assists in 14 minutes.

Brian Davis line of the night: “There’s no need to get all tooty about things here guys.”

The Pacers shot just 34 percent for the night and if they don’t get nearly 40 free throw attempts, OKC blows them out by even more. The Pacers were on the second of a back-to-back, but that just means the Thunder did what they needed to do. They put Indiana away early (as in four minutes early) and kept a foot on the gas the rest of the way. This next stretch of games lightens up a bit so getting the little losing streak monkey off their back is a good thing and hopefully makes every feel a bit better.

First off, I love the "Notes" section, Royce. Definitely my favorite part of the recap. I've been wondering about Nick's scratch for weeks! It seriously isn't getting better at all. So glad I'm not the only one noticing.

It was nice to have a "relaxing" game last night. I was very impressed with Nazr - He looked better than Nenad on most nights. If our back up is that good, Perk is gonna be scary good.In the wake of Jeff's departure, I decided to change my affinity to James. It appears that was the right choice. He had a terrific night on offense and defense. Love that guy!I'm now fascinated with Nate Robinson. Him missing the 3 after the huge ovation was, in it's own way, endearing. The kid was just so excited! After that air ball, he focused and showed he's a solid backup. I kinda doubt we'll keep him with Eric playing so well, but I like his energy both on and off the court and I'll enjoy him while I can.Serge is a beast. I knew he was work well with a solid center, but I don't think I truly understood how it was gonna open up his game. Man, I can't wait for Perk to start!

I kindof like him being an idiot, its entertaining to laugh about, and the other guy (grant long? is that right?) usually corrects him when he says something stupid. Its like a good cop/bad cop thing without the lights in your face...

@lafowler255I doubt someone was obstructing his view. During the Thunder training camp scrimmage, I literally sat right behind him. This guy would casually stop watching the game, have a few conversations, and when someone would score, he would ask around "Who just scored?" Granted, calling a real game is much more difficult with keeping up with stats and stuff, but a large part I think is him not being fully involved with the game.

LOL Brian Davis was hilariously off last night. I was mentioning it in the Thunder chat room during the game that he needs a closer seat to the court. He was calling "And 1's" that werent there. Fouls on the wrong person. Charges when they were actually turnovers out of bounds. I like his passion but I think someone was obstructing his view last night!

Team played great BTW love the different line ups, "Small line" up and "Kick out" line up performed well. But then again EVERYONE scored so they all did well. Our Bench is one of the leagues best Im willing to bet! I know they are definately better then the Super Squad in Miami!

Durant will be fine, even if he misses a game or three. Or four. Or none, if it's up to him. Which I hope it isn't.

Great game last night. The Thunder just looked like, well, like the Thunder's supposed to look. Really nice game by Jeff Gr.....James Harden. On Nate Robinson's entry, I'm sure he was a little jacked up. Although actually, I think he wakes up a little jacked and stays that way most of the day. But that's probably why he jacked the shot over the rim. But he has a bit of an edge-of-your-seat effect when he checks into a game, even in garbage time. I'm glad Brooks got him in there.

I think Nick Collison should have that scratch turned into a permanent tattoo. Put some barbs on the edges. Maybe a little blood-like droplets here and there. It fits.

When Perkins comes back, I want to see part of one game with a lineup of Perk, Mohammad, Ibaka, & Aldrich, with Collison running the point. Just because. Don't get all tooty about it if you disagree.

james hardens beard :Am I crazy when I say that I think brian davis doesn’t know the meaning of “banks it in”… Every time he says it, its never off of the glass at all… The only thing that keeps him entertaining to me is getting to hear grant pause for a second, then quietly correct him… Its like they’re a married couple, but brian davis is the smaller, but loud mouthed, abusive husband that never let’s his wife (who is much smarter) get a word in.. Ha

We could fill a whole blog on the things BD doesn't know the meaning of in a game. He is HORRIBLE. He can't seem to see the game either. The situation you are talking about happens almost every game. A back-iron 3 goes down, and he says it banked in. Then there was the SI alley-oop where Serge was fouled, whistle blew, then Thabo comes in for a meaningless layup and BD goes crazy with an 'And 1' call. The whistle blew almost 2 seconds before it happened...I don't think he even watches the games that closely...He's pathetic. Let's put Presti in charge of the announcing crew. We deserve better.

@DannerI believe that was sarcasm. He was stating that you definitely WERE too impatient for a second year player who's only the age of most college juniors and seniors. I'm loving the way he's played this season. Developing into exactly what the doctor ordered.

ThundercatsKD35 :NAZR was a very pleaseant suprise. Hope Harden does well if KD cant go so maybe brooks will consider starting him for sef. Lil nate needs to be in the rotation. Ibaka just needs to relax on his wide open shots. Thunder are scary once Perk is back

Ibaka's jumper doesn't really concern me too much. This was an off night for him, no doubt, but he's way up toward the top fg% in the league if I'm not mistaken. A good number of that is from jumpers... I agree with pretty much everything else you said though. Not so sure I'd rush to put nate in to disrupt the flow in an actual close game though... I guess my point is mainly that we need more of an offensive output from ibaka with green's absence, and my guess are putbacks and jumpers are where that's gonna come from, so hopefully he can keep his confidence.

Me too. Loving the Beards arrival. Had his back all season long. Also, excited by the new rotations, Nazrs contributions, and especially Coles playing time. His ability to block shots in the college game appears to be translating quite well. If he keeps getting 15 min/game, I think he will definately be able to contribute defensively in the playoffs

@DavyTheWiseHes an eye sore of the highest order. Did you see the tech he got for hanging on the rim tonight? Man is he desperate for attention. hes probably gonna get a neon sign tatooed into his skull to assure that everyone looks at him.

NAZR was a very pleaseant suprise. Hope Harden does well if KD cant go so maybe brooks will consider starting him for sef. Lil nate needs to be in the rotation. Ibaka just needs to relax on his wide open shots. Thunder are scary once Perk is back

Also note all those players who did it, accomplished it during stretch where the pace was much higher. Serge would probably need a 7%+ BLK% at least, plus 38+ minutes a game to approach four blocks a game for a season. Very unrealistic to expect. Three a game is feasible under the right circumstances / minutes, but he'd still have to increase his block rate to get to that.

Just finished the game. For a message board that freaks about such things as whether players like their dining experiences in okc, or Aldrich developing in Tulsa, and how we NEED Corey Brewer on the team, etc., everyone seems kind of chill about this Durant ankle thing. You guy's know something I don't? Is he cool? Are we cool? (dap?)

Blocks are nice but I believe the goal for the team should be to lower opponent shooting percentages overall. Blocking shots contributes to that for sure, but when's the last time we held a team to sub-40% shooting? The Cleveland game way back on December 12th.

I liked the shot defense overall in this one. I actually liked it in the last game against the Lakers also (they made a lot of tough contested jumpers early). I'm cautiously optimistic that the team defense is starting to head in a nice direction.

Am I crazy when I say that I think brian davis doesn't know the meaning of "banks it in"... Every time he says it, its never off of the glass at all... The only thing that keeps him entertaining to me is getting to hear grant pause for a second, then quietly correct him... Its like they're a married couple, but brian davis is the smaller, but loud mouthed, abusive husband that never let's his wife (who is much smarter) get a word in.. Ha

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[…] and Nate Robinson, the other two pieces OKC acquired in the trade deadline deals, and that one turned out pretty well other than KD’s ankle turn. Still, anything other than a no-doubt win over the Pacers, who […]